The University has no evidence of any confirmed cases of ICE on the Illinois State University campus.
Immigration
Learn more about federal updates regarding immigration.
For additional information from the State of Illinois, visit: illinoisimmigrationinfo.org
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Encounters
Students may contact the Students' Attorney in the Dean of Students Office about legal issues. The Students' Attorney may assist with free consultations to provide input, answer questions, and to help facilitate the legal process.
University administrators, faculty, and staff may contact the Office of General Counsel for legal advice about official University business. The Office of General Counsel is unable to provide legal advice about personal legal issues or claims adverse to the University.
Know the Basics
Access on Campus
Most of the University has limited access and is not open to the public, even if buildings are unlocked during operating hours.
Restricted and limited access facilities include:
- Areas requiring University-issued ID for entry
- Areas with monitored entryways
- Areas with locked doors, such as residence halls, apartments, laboratories, offices, and classrooms
Signed Warrant Needed
Officers need a criminal arrest or search warrant signed by a judge (if the warrant is signed by a judge, it is considered a "judicial warrant") to enter any restrictive area on campus or off-campus housing. Administrative warrants (warrants that are not signed by a judge) do not mean officers can access restricted areas without consent.
Any member of campus can withhold consent to entry by an ICE officer without a judicial warrant but should not engage in any act that could be construed as impeding or interfering with enforcement activities.
ICE is permitted to enter areas open to the public without a warrant.
Right to Remain Silent
In all cases, you have the right to remain silent under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and do not need to answer questions or sign or provide any documents without a lawyer present.
Illinois State University provides informational legal support resources for students through the Students’ Attorney in the Dean of Students Office.
What to Do: Requesting Access
If a federal immigration officer requests access to residence hall, classroom, or other limited access area, take the following actions:
-
Tell them you need to speak with ISUPD.
Inform the immigration officer that University procedure requires consultation with Illinois State University Police (ISUPD) for assistance prior to making any decision on access. -
Get identification information.
Ask the immigration officer for their name, ID number, and agency affiliation. -
Call (309) 438-8631 immediately.
This will put in touch with ISUPD. -
Hold on to documents.
Retain copies of any warrant or other documents provided by the immigration officers in support of their request for access and provide them to ISUPD.
Role of Illinois State University Police Department
State and local law enforcement generally do not participate in immigration enforcement.
Under the Illinois TRUST Act, officers cannot detain or act on immigration warrants or detainers, nor stop or arrest individuals based solely on their immigration status.
State officers must act only if a judge issues a criminal warrant. However, ISUPD is typically not involved in immigration enforcement. Officers may ask about country of origin to notify consulates after an arrest, but they do not inquire about immigration status.
What to Do: Reporting Immigration-Related Law Enforcement Activity
If someone who self-identifies as a law enforcement agent contacts you or attempts to contact you on topics related to immigration, or if you witness or have recently witnessed law enforcement personnel engaging in or attempting to engage in immigration-related activity on campus or with another University student or employee, take the following action:
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Call (309) 438-8631.
This will put you in touch with ISUPD.
Current State of Immigration Affairs Webinar
On May 5, 2025, Dr. Donald Reed, Associate Dean of Students, sat down with Itzel Mendoza of The Immigration Project and Matt Kuenning of the ISU Department of Politics and Government, who is also an immigration attorney in Champaign, IL. They discussed the current state of immigration affairs and answered frequently asked questions regarding “know your rights”, international visas, and travel.
Please note that the presentation is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or as a replacement for hiring an experienced immigration attorney. Furthermore, the views expressed during the presentation do not constitute the University’s official views.
Family Education Right and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a law that protects students’ education records and personal information. FERPA protects international students' records, but the government can request specific information related to their visa status without their consent.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Requests
DHS can request information about international students as part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVP tracks and manages student visas. DHS can only ask for specific types of information listed in their regulations.
A designated school official (DSO) may be legally required to provide personally identifiable student information to government agencies. In these cases, information can be shared without consent, a warrant, or subpoena.
All requests must go through DSO. If you are not a DSO, you should not provide any information and refer any requests to the Office of General Counsel.
Immigration Resources
Office of International Engagement
An FAQ on travel, employment and more
Human Resources
Information on hiring and recruiting
The Immigration Project
Information of legal services you can access
Immigration Law Clinic
The Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Illinois provides legal assistance to immigrants
Immigrants’ Rights Clinic
The Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School provides legal representation and advocacy for immigrants
Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic
The Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic at UIC Law offers legal support for refugees and immigrants
American Civil Liberties Union
Advocates for the rights of immigrants through litigation, policy advocacy, and public education to protect civil liberties and challenge unjust immigration laws
National Immigration Law Center
Advocates for the rights of low-income immigrants through litigation, policy analysis, and community education
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
Advocates for immigrant and refugee communities through policy reform, community organizing, and access to resources and services
Office of the Attorney General State of Illinois
Overview of legal rights when interacting with law enforcement or immigration authorities